the so-called "fiscal cliff." >> the bill as amended is passed. >> reporter: the senate voted 89-8 to avoid tax hikes for 99% of all americans. >> this shouldn't be the model for how we do things around here, but i think we can say we've done some good for the country. >> reporter: if the bill eventually becomes law, the bush-era tax cuts will be permanently extended for everyone making less than 400 thousand dollars a year and families making less than $450,000 a year. it will also keep the alternative minimum tax for the wealthy from hitting millions of middle class families. >> middle class families will wake up today to the assurance that their taxes won't go up $2,200 each. >> reporter: the senate agreement delays $110 billion in spending cuts that were due to kick in today, for another two months. but because the bill doesn't address spending, getting it passed in the house could be tougher. >> the fact that the president won't challenge his party on spending cuts is disgusting. the fact that we're not where we need to be on revenues is disgusting. it's just disgusting. >> repor